Single valve ready to use hose end sprayer

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a chemical sprayer that includes a sprayer head assembly and a container. The container defines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed. The sprayer head assembly includes a chemical passage, a carrier fluid passage, a vent passage, a valve chamber and a valve. The chemical passage is communication with the cavity. The carrier fluid passage is in communication with a carrier fluid source. Both the carrier fluid and chemical passages are in communication with the valve chamber. The valve is moveably positioned within the valve chamber and defines at least partially a first passage and a second passage. The first passage is configured so as to be in communication with the chemical passage when the valve is in an open position. The second passage is configured so as to be in communication with the carrier fluid passage when the valve is in the open position. The first and second passages are also configured so as to not be in communication with the chemical and carrier fluid passages when said valve is in a closed position. The valve also includes one or more seal portions positioned on the valve so as to block both the chemical and the carrier fluid passages when said valve is in the closed position. The sealing portions also preferably blocks a vent passage when the valve in the closed position. The second passage also preferably forms at least in part an outlet of the sprayer head assembly. A suction generating surface is also preferably defined by the valve.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This Application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/057,056, filed Feb. 11, 2005, now abandoned which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/745,385, filed Dec. 23, 2003, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,913,209, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/282,272, filed Oct. 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.6,672,520, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/542,956, filed Apr. 3, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,776, the entiredisclosure of these prior applications are hereby incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to chemical dispensing sprayers and, inparticular, to aspiration-type sprayers that use a relatively largeamount of carrier fluid for dispensing a relatively small amount of achemical solution.

2. Description of the Related Art

Every year consumers apply thousands of gallons of chemicals such asfertilizers or pesticides to plants, lawns, flowers, vegetable gardensand other organic type vegetation. Typically, such chemicals are sold inplastic containers in a concentrated form. While in this concentratedform, the chemical is extremely hazardous to the consumer end user andthe environment in general. Accordingly, the container typicallyincludes an aspiration-type sprayer head assembly. An aspiration-typesprayer uses a relatively large amount of carrier fluid, such as water,to withdraw, dilute and dispense a relatively small amount of chemicalfrom the container. To further prevent harm to the consumer, thecontainer and the sprayer head assembly are preferably disposed of afterthe container's contents are exhausted. It is therefore desirable toprovide a sprayer head assembly that is sufficiently low cost so as toallow the entire unit to be discarded and yet reliable and safe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a safe andreliable aspiration type chemical sprayer that utilizes a minimum numberof components and that is relatively easy to manufacture and assemble.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention involves a chemicalsprayer that comprises a sprayer head assembly and a container. Thecontainer defines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed. Thesprayer head assembly includes a chemical passage, a carrier fluidpassage, a valve chamber and a valve. The chemical passage is incommunication with the cavity. The carrier fluid passage is incommunication with a carrier fluid source. Both the carrier fluid andchemical passages are in communication with the valve chamber. The valveis moveably positioned within the valve chamber and defines at leastpartially a first passage and a second passage. The first passage isconfigured so as to be in communication with the chemical passage whenthe valve is in an open position. The second passage is configured so asto be in communication with the carrier fluid passage when the valve isin the open position. The first and second passages are also configuredso as to not be in communication with the chemical and carrier fluidpassages when said valve is in a closed position. The valve alsoincludes one or more seal portions positioned on the valve so as toblock both the chemical and the carrier fluid passages when said valveis in the closed position.

Another aspect of the of the present invention involves a chemicalsprayer comprising a sprayer head assembly and a container. Thecontainer defines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed. Thesprayer head assembly includes a chemical passage that is incommunication with the cavity. The assembly also includes a carrierfluid passage that is in communication with a carrier fluid source. Theassembly further includes a valve and a valve chamber. The valve chamberis in communication with the chemical and carrier fluid passages. Thevalve is moveably positioned within the valve chamber. The valve definesat least in part a first passage that is in communication with thechemical passage when the valve is in an open position. The valve alsodefines at least in part a second passage that is in communication withthe carrier fluid passage when the valve is in the open position. Thevalve also includes a suction generating surface. The first passage hasa mouth at the suction generating surface. The suction generatingsurface is positioned and configured such that the flow of carrier fluidover the suction generating surface creates a suction that drawschemical through the chemical passage to the mouth.

Yet another aspect of the present invention involves a chemical sprayercomprising a sprayer head assembly and a container. The containerdefines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed. The sprayer headassembly includes a chemical passage, a carrier fluid passage, a valvechamber, a valve, and an outlet. The chemical passage is incommunication with the cavity. The carrier fluid passage is incommunication with a carrier fluid source. The valve chamber is incommunication with the chemical and carrier fluid passages. The valve ismoveably positioned within the valve chamber. The valve defines at leastin part a first passage that communicates with the chemical passage whenthe valve is in an open position. The chemical passage terminates at asuction generating surface that is defined by the valve. The suctiongenerating surface is positioned and configured such that the flow ofcarrier fluid over the suction generating surface creates a suction thatdraws chemical through the chemical passage to the suction generatingsurface. The outlet for the carrier fluid and the chemical is formed atleast in part by the valve.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention involves a chemicalsprayer comprising a sprayer head assembly and a container. Thecontainer defines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed. Thesprayer head assembly comprises a chemical passage that is incommunication with the cavity and a carrier fluid passage that is incommunication with a carrier fluid source. A valve chamber is incommunication with the chemical passage. A valve is moveably positionedwithin the valve chamber. The valve defines at least in part a firstpassage that communicates with the chemical passage when the valve is inan open position. The valve also defines a metering orifice that is incommunication with the first passage.

Another embodiment of the present invention involves a chemical sprayercomprising a sprayer head assembly and a container. The containerdefines a cavity for storing a chemical to be sprayed. The sprayer headassembly comprises a chemical passage that is in communication with thecavity. A carrier fluid passage is in communication with a carrier fluidsource. A valve chamber is in communication with the chemical passage. Avalve is moveably positioned within the valve chamber, the valvedefining at least in part a first passage that is in communication withthe chemical passage when the valve is in an open position. The valvefurther includes one or more sealing portions that form an annular sealaround the chemical passage when the valve is in the open position.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of theinvention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the presentinvention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments havingreference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited toany particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achievedover the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention havebeen described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that notnecessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordancewith any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example,those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may beembodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes oneadvantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarilyachieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggestedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will now be described withreference to the drawings of the preferred embodiments, which areintended to illustrate and not to limit the invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view sprayer head assembly that is attached to achemical container; the sprayer head assembly having certain featuresand advantages that are in accordance with the principals of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is side view of the sprayer head assembly of FIG. 1 in a closedposition;

FIG. 3 is side view of the sprayer head assembly of FIG. 1 in an openposition;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the sprayer head assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the sprayer head assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sprayer head assembly in theclosed position taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a portion of the sprayer head assembly ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sprayer head assembly in theopen position taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of a portion of the sprayer head assembly ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is another side view of a different side of the sprayer headassembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the sprayer head assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10A is a perspective of the control valve having certain featuresand advantages according to the present invention;

FIG. 10B is an side view of the control valve of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is another side view from a different side of the control valveof FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10D is a bottom view of the control valve of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a side view of a sealing member having certain features andadvantages according to the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a front view of the sealing member of FIG. 11A

FIG. 11C is a rear view of the sealing member of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12A-12A of FIG. 11B;and

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12B-12B of FIG. 11B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A sprayer head assembly 10 according a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-12B. As shown in FIG. 1, thesprayer head assembly 10 is connected to a chemical container 12. Thesprayer head assembly 10 includes a sprayer head 14, a containerconnection portion 16, a supply fluid connection portion 18, and arotatable control valve 20. The sprayer head assembly 10 may be made ofany suitable material that is resistant to and compatible with thechemical fluid to be sprayed. However, a flexible plastic material, suchas polypropylene, is preferred because it is resilient yet durable.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, the valve 20 is moveably positioned ina cylindrical bore 22 that is formed in the sprayer head 14 of thesprayer head assembly 10. The valve includes a gripping area or handle24 that is mounted onto a valve cap 21. An operator opens and closes thevalve 20 by twisting the handle 24. The valve 20, bore 22, and handle 24are illustrated as being arranged substantially about a horizontal axis.This horizontal arrangement of the valve 20, bore 22, and handle 24 ispreferred because it allows the operator to rotate the valve 20 in anergonomical position. That is, the operator can hold the container 12 inone hand and rotate the valve 20 with the other hand without excessiverotation and lifting of the elbows and shoulders. In comparison, if thevalve 20 is arranged in a vertical position, the operator typically hasto lift and twist the operator's shoulders and elbows in order to rotatea valve 20. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat many of the aspects of the present invention may be achieved withthe valve 20 arranged along a non-horizontal axis. The construction thevalve 20 and bore 22 will be described in more detail below.

With continued reference FIGS. 1 and 6, the connection between thesprayer head assembly 10 and the container can be achieved by providingthe container connection portion 16 with a conventional rotatablecoupler 26 and a washer 28. The rotatable coupler 26 includes internalthreads 30 that cooperate with corresponding threads (not shown) formedon the neck of the container 12.

The sprayer head assembly 10 can also be permanently attached to thecontainer 12. In such an arrangement, adhesive can be applied to theinner surface of the connection portion 16 before it is fitted over theneck of the container 12. Alternatively, the connection portion 16 caninclude an inwardly projecting ratchet that opposes a cooperatingratchet formed on the container 12.

When the sprayer head assembly 10 is installed onto the container 12,the interior of the container 12 is in communication with a chemicalpassage 32 that is also in communication with the interior of thecylindrical bore 22. In the illustrated arrangement, the chemicalpassage 32 is defined in part by a downwardly depending chemical flowtube or dip tube 34. The dip tube 34 extends into the container 12 andpreferably terminates near a bottom surface of the container. Thechemical passage 32 is also defined in part by an internal passage 38,which is formed in the sprayer head 14. The internal passage 38communicates with the interior of the cylindrical bore 22 and the diptube 34. The dip tube 34 is secured in fluid communication with theinternal passage 38 by a sleeve 36. Although, in the illustratedarrangement the chemical passage 32 is defined by two components (thedip tube 34 and the internal passage 38), it should be appreciated thatthe chemical passage 32 can be defined by a single component or morethan two components. The illustrated arrangement, however, is preferredbecause it is easy to manufacture and yet uses a small number ofcomponents.

Preferably, the sprayer head assembly 10 includes a vent passage 52,which is shown in FIG. 5. In the illustrated arrangement, the ventpassage 52 is defined by a small hole formed in the head 14 of theassembly. As with the chemical passage 32, the vent passage 52communicates with the interior of the container 12 when the assembly 10is mounted onto the container 12. The vent passage 52 extends up throughhead 14 and communicates with the interior of the cylindrical bore 22.The vent passage 52 lies generally parallel to (and spaced along theaxis of the valve from) the interior passage 32. Although, in theillustrated arrangement the vent passage 52 is formed on the assembly10, it should be appreciated that the vent passage 52 can be located onthe container 12. However, the illustrated arrangement is preferredbecause, as will be explained below, it enables the vent passage 52 tobe opened and closed with the chemical passage 32.

As mentioned above, the sprayer head assembly 10 also includes a supplyfluid connection portion 18 (see FIG. 6). The supply fluid connectionportion 18 connects the assembly to a pressurized supply fluid source(not shown), such as, for example, a garden hose. In the illustratedarrangement, the connection is formed by a conventional rotatablecoupler 40 and a washer 42. The coupler 40 includes threads 44 thatcooperate with corresponding threads (not shown) formed on the supplyfluid source. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatother means can be used to connect the assembly 10 to the supply fluidsource.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the sprayer head assembly 10includes a supply passage 46. The supply passage 46 is in communicationwith the supply fluid source and the interior of the bore 22. In theillustrated arrangement, the supply passage 46 is defined in part by aside wall 48 of the sprayer head 14. The side wall 48 extends from thecoupler 40 towards the cylindrical bore 22. The supply passage 46 isalso defined in part by an elongated constriction passage 50, which inthe preferred embodiment directly communicates with the cylindrical bore22. The elongated constriction passage 50 helps to produce a uniform,non-turbulent stream of carrier fluid into the bore 22. In theillustrated arrangement, the side wall 48 and the elongated constrictionpassage 50 are integrated together. However, it should be appreciatedthat these components can be made separately. It should also beappreciated that the supply passage 46 can be defined by a singlecomponent or more than two components, which can be integrated togetheror made separately. The illustrated arrangement is preferred because itis relatively simple to form and produces the desired uniform stream ofcarrier fluid.

As best seen in FIGS. 10A-D, the valve 20 is constructed with two outerwalls 54 that define a cylindrical periphery for sliding engagement withthe interior wall of the cylindrical bore 22 (FIG. 6). Preferably, theouter wall 54 nearest the handle 24 engages an annular groove 5 (shownin dashed lines in FIG. 4) that is formed along the interior wall of thecylindrical bore 22. Accordingly, the valve 20 is inserted into thesprayer head 14 by snap-fitting the valve 20 into the annular groove 51.Once snap-fitted, the valve 20 can rotate within the cylindrical bore 22but is secured axially by the engagement of the outer wall 54 with theannular groove 51. The bore 22 is closed at one end by a bore cover 23(see FIG. 8) that is preferably integrated with the assembly head 14.The bore 22 is closed at the other end by the valve cap 21.

In order to reduce the amount of material used in the valve 20, thevalve 20 is preferably hollowed out. That is, several gaps 55 are formedin the body of the valve 20. These gaps 55 are positioned so as notcompromise the structural integrity of the valve 20.

As will be explained below, the valve 20 controls the flow of chemicalthrough the assembly 10. The valve 20 also preferably controls the flowof supply fluid through the assembly 10. More preferably, the valve 20also controls the communication of the vent passage 52 with atmosphericpressure.

Accordingly, as best seen in FIG. 7, the valve 20 defines at least inpart a first passage 56. The first passage 56 is configured andpositioned within the valve 20 such that when the valve 20 is an openposition (i.e., the position shown in FIG. 7) the first passage 56 isaligned with and communicates with the chemical passage 32. Preferably,the first passage 56 has a diameter that is slightly larger than thediameter of the internal passage 38. This arrangement helps to align thefirst passage 56 with the internal passage 38.

As best seen in FIG. 7A, the first passage 56 preferably communicateswith a generally cylindrical metering orifice 74 that terminates at agenerally cylindrical mouth 75. The mouth 75 is located within agraduated suction generating recess 76, which is formed on a suctiongenerating surface 57. Preferably, the valve 20 defines the meteringorifice 74, the mouth 75, the suction generating recess 76 and thesuction generating surface 57. However, it should be appreciated thatseveral advantages of the present invention can be achieved in anarrangement where the metering orifice 74, the mouth 75, the suctiongenerating recess 76 and/or the suction generating surface 57 are notdefined by the valve 20. The illustrated arrangement is preferredbecause, as will be explained in more detail below, the metering orifice74 and the mouth 75 can be more accurately manufactured.

The diameter of the metering orifice 74 and mouth 75 determines, for themost part, the dilution ratio of the sprayer head assembly 10. Themethod for determining the diameter of the metering orifice and mouth 75to achieve a desired dilution ratio are well known to those of ordinaryskill in the art; therefore, a detailed description of such a method isnot necessary.

As best seen in FIG. 10B, the suction generating surface 57 defines thegraduated suction generating recess 76. The recess 76 has a generallytriangular shape that is formed by two side walls 77 and a rounded endwall 79. The mouth 75 of the metering orifice lies on a lower face 81 ofthe recess 76 near the rounded end wall 89. The recess 76 is deepest atthe apex where the mouth 75 of the metering orifice 74 is located. Thegraduated suction generating recess 76 is sized and configured, as iswell known in the art, so that when carrier fluid flows over the 76recess a suction force is created. The suction force draws the chemicalfrom the container 12 through the chemical passage 32. Of course, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the desired suction forcecan be created with graduated suction generating recesses of othershapes and sizes.

As best seen in FIG. 7A, the valve 20 also defines, at least partially,a second passage 58 that is aligned with the supply passage 46 when thevalve 20 is in the open position. The second passage 58 is preferablydefined by the suction generating surface 57, the inner surface of thecylindrical bore 22, and a pair of side walls 60 (see FIG. 10B) that aredefined by the valve 20. It should also be appreciated that the secondpassage 58 can be defined entirely by the valve 20. That is, interiorsurface of the cylindrical bore 22 can be replaced, wholly or in part,by an additional wall of the valve 20. However, the illustratedarrangement is preferred for several reasons. For example, thisarrangement reduces the amount of material need to form the valve 20.

With continued reference to FIG. 7A, the valve 20 includes a sealingportion 63 that forms an annular seal with the bore 22 around theinterface between the chemical passage 32 and the first passage 56.Accordingly, the connection between the chemical passage 32 and thefirst passage 56 is sealed and chemical is prevented from leaking intothe gaps between the valve 20 and the cylindrical bore 22.

The sealing portion 63 is preferably formed from a separate singlesealing member 64 (see also FIGS. 11 and 12) that is positioned within arecess 70 (see FIG. 10C) formed on the valve 20. The sealing member 64is preferably made of a soft plastic elastomer material or othersuitable synthetic rubber material. Such material provides an effectiveseal with the bore 22, which as mentioned above is preferably made of aharder plastic material. The sealing member 64 defines at least in parta transition passage 66, which defines part of the first passage 56.Accordingly, the transition passage 66 is in communication with thechemical passage 32 when the valve 20 is in the open position.

Because the sealing surface 63 is positioned on the valve 20, it is mucheasier to assemble the assembly 10 as compared a sprayer where thesealing surfaces are located on the head 14. Such a sprayer isparticularly difficult to assemble such a sprayer because it isdifficult to reach the interior surfaces of the head. This arrangementalso eliminates the need for multiple O-rings on the valve.

Preferably, the sealing member 64 also preferably includes a channel orrecess 67 (see FIG. 12B) that at least partially surrounds the openingof the transition passage 66. This recess 67 helps to align thetransition 66 and chemical passages 32.

With reference to FIGS. 11B and 12A, the sealing member 64 alsopreferably includes a vent channel 68. When the valve is at the openposition, the channel 68 is aligned with the vent passage 52.Accordingly, the channel 68 allows the vent passage 52 to be incommunication with gaps that are formed between the valve 20 and thecylindrical bore 22. Accordingly, when the valve 20 is in the openposition, the vent passage 52 is in communication with an atmosphericpressure source.

As best seen in FIG. 6A, the sealing portion 63 is also preferablyarranged on the valve so as to block both the carrier fluid passage 46and the chemical fluid passage 32 when the valve 20 is in the closedposition. The sealing portion 63 also preferably blocks the vent passage52. Furthermore, as the valve 20 is rotated to the closed position (FIG.6) from an open position (FIG. 7) the sealing portion 63 of the valve 20is preferably positioned such that it remains in contact with the outletof the chemical passage 32. In a similar manner, the sealing portion 63also seals the vent passage 52 as the valve 20 is rotated to the closedposition.

The illustrated sealing portion 63 of the valve 20 is formed from asingle sealing member 64 that simultaneously blocks the carrier passage46, the chemical passage 32, and the vent passage 52 when the valve isin the closed position. This arrangement is preferred because it reducesthe number of parts required to construct the assembly 10. However, itshould be appreciated that the sealing portion 63 could be formed from aplurality of sealing members 64 positioned within one or more recessespositioned on the valve 20. It should also be appreciated that, althoughthe illustrated sealing portion 63 is preferably formed from a separatesealing member 64, the sealing portion 63 can be integrated into thevalve 20 such that the valve 20 and sealing portion 63 comprise a singleintegrated part.

In operation when the valve 20 is in the open position (see FIG. 7A), astream of pressurized carrier fluid is discharged into the secondpassage 58. As the carrier fluid flows over the suction generatingsurface 57, a suction force is created that draws chemical through thedip tube 34, transition passage 66, and first passage 56 and into thestream of carrier fluid. The upwardly inclined orientation of thesuction generating surface 57 helps to generate the suction force.Venting is provided through the vent passage 52 (see FIG. 5) and thevent channel 68 (see FIG. 11B).

Preferably, the chemical and carrier fluid is directly discharged fromthe assembly 10 through the second passage 58. Accordingly, in order toproduce an effective spray pattern, the channel walls 60 (see FIG. 10B)diverge slightly as they extend from the carrier passage 46. Thisconfiguration helps to spread the carrier fluid and chemical stream. Theupwardly inclined orientation of the suction generating surface 57 ofthe valve 20 also helps to direct the chemical and carrier fluid streamaway from the user.

As best seen in FIG. 7, the assembly 10 preferably includes a hood 19that extends from the head 14 and the second passage 58. It should beappreciated that the hood 19 is not necessary to practice the presentinvention. However, the hood 19 is preferred because it protects theoperator from water and chemical splatter. It should also be appreciatedthat an additional outlet nozzle could be added to the assembly 10 tofurther direct the water and chemical flow. Such a nozzle can extendfrom the second passage 58 and would offer additional control of thecarrier fluid and chemical stream. In such an arrangement, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the channel walls 60 donot have to be diverge it. The illustrated arrangement is preferred,however, because it reduces the size of the assembly 10 and the numberof components and yet still produces an effective spray pattern.

When the valve is rotated to the closed position (see. FIG. 6A), thecarrier passage 46, chemical passage 32 and the vent passage 52 are allclosed by the valve 20. Specifically, the sealing portion 63 of thevalve 20 forms a tight seal over these passages and prevents leakage. Aparticular advantage of the illustrated arrangement is the manner inwhich the sealing portion 63 is supported on the valve 20. As seen inFIG. 6A, the sealing portion 63 is formed by the sealing member 64,which is supported in the recess 70. The recess 70 is formed in asubstantially cylindrical sealing wall 80 of the valve 20. In the closedposition, the sealing wall 80 extends across the carrier fluid passage46. Because the carrier fluid is pressurized, the carrier fluid exerts arelatively large force on the sealing member 64 and the sealing wall 80.This force pushes the sealing wall 80 away from the interior of thebore, which can cause the sealing wall 80 to flex. Flexing of thesealing wall 80 can compromise the seal between the sealing member 64and the carrier fluid passage 46. Accordingly, the valve 20 preferablyincludes a bracing wall 82. As seen in FIG. 6A, the bracing wall 82preferably extends across the carrier fluid passage. More preferably,the bracing wall 82 extends to the two ends of the sealing wall 80. Thebracing wall 82 provides additional support to the sealing wall 80 inthe direction of the force exerted by the carrier fluid. Flexing of thesealing wall 80 is therefore minimized and a tight seal between thesealing member 64 and the carrier fluid passage 46 is maintained.Preferably, the bracing wall 82 also defines the suction generatingsurface 57. This arrangement is preferred because it further reduces thenumber of parts of the assembly 10.

As mentioned above, the valve 20 can be conveniently operated with onehand while the assembly 10, container 12, and hose can be controlledwith the other hand thereby providing a safe spray operation. Theassembly 10 also preferably includes child-proofing features. As shownin FIGS. 2 and 3, a tab 92 extends from the connection portion 18 andengages an indentation 90 formed on the valve cap 21. When the valve 20is in the closed position (FIG. 2), the tab 92 engages the indentation90 and secures the valve in the closed position. Therefore, to open thevalve 20, the operator must simultaneously pull back the tab 92 androtate the valve 20. This requires a level of strength and dexteritythat is typically not possessed by children.

The illustrated assembly 10 described above is particularly adapted tobe manufactured by injection molding. Because the assembly 10 willtypically be discarded after the chemical in the container 12 isexhausted, the costs of manufacturing the assembly 10 must be low.Injection molding is a particularly low cost method of making parts outof plastic-type materials. Those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the sprayer head 14, the container connection portion 16,the supply fluid connection portion 18, the sealing member 64 and therotatable control valve 20 can all be formed using injection molding.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the valve 20 definesthe metering orifice 74 and the mouth 75. As mentioned above, thediameters of the metering orifice 74 and the mouth 75 determine, for themost part, the dilution ratio of the sprayer assembly 10. Accordingly,to achieve a precise dilution ratio, tight tolerances are needed in themetering orifice 74 and the mouth 75. However, in prior art plasticsprayers, the sprayer head typically defines the metering orifice andmouth. Because the sprayer head is a relatively large part that istypically formed in a relatively large mold, thermal expansion in themold makes it difficult to obtain tight tolerances in the meteringorifice and mouth.

In comparison, the valve 20 is a much smaller small part. Accordingly,there is less thermal expansion in the mold for the valve 20 as comparedto the mold for the sprayer head 14. Accordingly, it is easier toachieve tight tolerances in the valve 20 as compared to the sprayer head14. Therefore, because the valve 20 of the present invention defines themetering orifice 74 and the mouth 75, it is easier to achieve tighttolerances in the orifice 74 and the mouth 75. Furthermore, because theorifice 74 and the mouth 75 are located in the valve 20, the dilutionratio of the sprayer head assembly 10 can be changed by simply changingthe valve 20. This provides another important advantage.

To further reduce the cost of an aspirator-type sprayer, it isbeneficial to use a minimum number of parts. The illustrated assembly 10preferably includes only three main parts: the head 14, the controlvalve 20, and the sealing member 64. This represents a great improvementover sprayers that include a plurality of valves, multiple O-rings andmultiple sealing members. Furthermore, the illustrated assembly 10 iseasily assembled. The two main assembling steps are (i) attaching thesealing member 64 to the valve 20 and (ii) snap-fitting the valve 20into the valve chamber 22.

Because of safety concerns, it is essential that an aspiration-typesprayer not leak. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatthe illustrated assembly 10 described above meets this requirement. Inparticular, the arrangement of the sealing member 64 on the valve 20adequately prevents chemicals from leaking.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventionherein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fairreading of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for dispensing a chemical from acontainer, comprising: providing a container comprising a cavity;providing a chemical in the cavity; coupling a chemical sprayer to thecontainer, wherein the chemical sprayer comprises: a chemical passage; acarrier fluid passage; a valve chamber in communication with thechemical passage and the carrier fluid passage; a valve moveablypositioned in the valve chamber and having a substantially horizontalaxis of rotation transverse to the carrier fluid passage, the valvehaving an open position and a closed position; a vent passage connectedwith the inside of the valve chamber and closed by the valve when thevalve is in the closed position; a first passage formed at leastpartially in the valve; and a second passage formed at least partiallyin the valve and in communication with the first passage; coupling apressurized fluid source to the chemical sprayer; and rotating the valveabout the horizontal axis of rotation transverse to the carrier fluidpassage to an open position, wherein the first passage is incommunication with the chemical passage, the second passage is incommunication with the carrier fluid passage, and the vent passagecommunicates with the cavity and an atmospheric pressure source.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein coupling a chemical sprayer to the containercomprises: providing a tubular member; coupling the tubular member tothe chemical passage; and extending the tubular member into thecontainer.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising rotating thevalve about the horizontal axis of rotation transverse to the carrierfluid passage to a closed position wherein the cavity is not incommunication with an atmospheric pressure source, the first passage isnot in communication with the chemical passage, and the second passageis not in communication with the carrier fluid path.
 4. A method fordispensing a chemical from a container, comprising: providing acontainer comprising a cavity; providing a chemical in the cavity;providing a chemical sprayer, comprising: a chemical passage; a carrierfluid passage; a valve chamber in communication with the chemicalpassage and the carrier fluid passage; a valve moveably positioned inthe valve chamber and having a substantially horizontal axis of rotationtransverse to the carrier fluid passage; a vent passage connected withthe inside of the valve chamber and opened or closed by movement of thevalve; a first passage formed at least partially in the valve; and asecond passage formed at least partially in the valve and incommunication with the first passage; connecting the chemical sprayer tothe container; coupling a pressurized fluid source to the chemicalsprayer; and rotating the valve about the horizontal axis of rotationtransverse to the carrier fluid passage to an open position, wherein thefirst passage is in communication with the chemical passage, the secondpassage is in communication with the carrier fluid passage, and the ventpassage is in communication with the cavity and an atmospheric pressuresource.
 5. A method for dispensing a chemical from a container,comprising: providing a container comprising a cavity; providing achemical in the cavity; coupling a chemical sprayer to the container,wherein the chemical sprayer comprises: a chemical passage; a carrierfluid passage; a valve chamber in communication with the chemicalpassage and the carrier fluid passage; a valve moveably positioned inthe valve chamber and having a substantially horizontal axis of rotationtransverse to the carrier fluid passage, the valve having an openposition and a closed position; a vent passage connected with the insideof the valve chamber and blocked by the valve when the valve is in theclosed position; a first passage formed at least partially in the valve;and a second passage formed at least partially in the valve and incommunication with the first passage; coupling a pressurized fluidsource to the chemical sprayer; and rotating the valve about thehorizontal axis of rotation transverse to the carrier fluid passage toan open position, wherein the first passage is in communication with thechemical passage, the second passage is in communication with thecarrier fluid passage, and the vent passage communicates with the cavityand the outside atmosphere.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein coupling achemical sprayer to the container comprises: providing a tubular member;coupling the tubular member to the chemical passage; and extending thetubular member into the container.
 7. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising rotating the valve about the horizontal axis of rotationtransverse to the carrier fluid passage to a closed position wherein thecavity is not in communication with the outside atmosphere, the firstpassage is not in communication with the chemical passage, and thesecond passage is not in communication with the carrier fluid path.